Alexandria gazette. [volume] (Alexandria, D.C.) 1834-1974, 1887-04-07

1. LukeDS CaUeO &tl9Elion 10 s. meeting
recently held in Alexandria county, wherein
tie subject of the Improvement of the roads
leading TO Washington city YVES under dis
cussion, and suggested that we also take
some action in the matter. Ii is notorious
fact that the avenues OF approach TO the
federal capital are disgrace to any civilized
country, and most especially the road called
turnpike leading froGl Alexandria 80
Washington. Since the railroad has been
buil5 alongside of said road there seems to
be no way of having it kept in decent trav-
eling condition; besides the proximity Of
passing trains makes it dangerous TO life and
property. 1t is imperahvely necessary that
some measures be taken 10 remedy the oh
iections here set forth or provide some other
and better route between the two cities.
1t vas mentioned that proposition is on
foot i2r converting the bed Of The canal into
roadway, which met with general favor.
This could readily be done by working
down the sides Of the same sufficiently 10
form q roadbed of The proper shape and di-
mensions, and which would make one o!
the finest avenues in the country, when
planted with trees at the sides. Bat while
waiting for this to be accomplished it was
thought best to pay sorua attention 10 the
present so-calied turnpike, SO James W.
Roberts Was appointed 10 investigate the
status Of the same, and find cut if possible,
the true inwardness" Of that concern, TO-.
gether with any ether information he may
be able 10 gather Up germane to the subject,
and report at = future meeting.
The secretary read some extracts tcom
pamphlet sent by Prof. o. L. Mason, of the
National Museum, Washington, which con-
tained some OF the transactions of the Micro
scopicsl Society, Of Westchester, Pa. and con-
siderable correspondence or the subject of
boGntie5 offered for the killing OF hawks,
o9is, weeeeis, etc This course, pursued
by some Of the State legislatures, was Sc
verey consured therein, and it Is claimed
by those who have patiently investigated
the subject. that most OF the birds of prey
and animals alluded to, are OF much more
benefit than injury 10 the farmer, that the
amount of poultry they destroy is of
little consequence, compared with the
immense amo6nt OF mice, moles and
noxous insects which they prey upon,
and that she farmers would be overrun with
these pests were it not for their constant
yicilancs. The merits of this question had
not been very widely considered. Same one
asked. "How about crows ?" and we imme-
diately branched off on that subject, the
friends aad enemies of that dusky though
cunning bird having lively time OF it for
awhile.
c. Lukens said they had destroyed much
corn for him and he tried to poison them,
but did not make much progress-killed
one in round about way, it having eaten a
small bird that ate the poison.
E. Z. Mason was asked if they did not
trouble his corn that was near by. He said
''Not much . he supposed they knew VINO
were their friends.
In summing up, Adam Martin, OF the Au-
uandale Farmers Club, spoke of the great
number of crows in England and Scotland,
and said if we had as many here we could
not raise any corn ST sII. Ee advised US to
xii! aIl We can there will be enough left to
preserve tie baiancs cfpower, and he would
say the same OF the English sparrow.
The question was asked, "How late willi'